1. In 1867, the sixth Colorado territorial legislature convened in Denver, marking an important step in Colorado's political development.

2. On October 18, 1908, the first leg of the Denver & Intermountain Railroad was completed, connecting Denver to the town of Morrison and opening up new mining and tourist opportunities.

3. In 1937, the Boulder Dam (now Hoover Dam) was dedicated on October 18, bringing renewable electricity and irrigation water to the Southwest and helping spur post-Depression economic growth.

4. On this day in 1955, the Denver Art Museum opened its new building designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti, showcasing its growing collection and establishing the institution as an important cultural center in the West.

5. Finally, in 1979, the University of Colorado at Boulder made history by hosting the first televised presidential debate of the 1980 election cycle, with incumbent Jimmy Carter facing off against Republican challenger Ronald Reagan.